Missionary Training at ABWE
Theological Education in Action:
Integrating the Academy, Marketplace, and Church
ABWE International Training Center
Harrisburg, PA
May 25–29, 2009
A consultation and conference for intercultural theological educators designed to provide encouragement, training and opportunity for networking
Dr. Jim Plueddemann
Dr. Plueddemann is professor and chair of the Mission and Evangelism Department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. From 1967 until 1980 he and his wife, Carol, served in Nigeria as missionaries with SIM. During that time he was director of the Christian Education Department for the Evangelical Churches of West Africa. From 1980 to 1993 he served on the faculty of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Dr. Plueddemann served as the International Director of SIM (Serving in Mission) from 1993 until 2004. SIM currently has about 1,600 missionaries in active service in approximately 40 countries.
Dr. Plueddemann will speak on cross-cultural theological education each day. He will emphasize a pilgrim (missional) model where there is an integration of school, marketplace and church. In this model theological education is integral to mission, not just a description of it.
Dr. David Livermore
Dave Livermore, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Global Learning Center at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where he also teaches Intercultural Studies. In addition, Dave is Co-Founder of Intersect, a ministry that provides leadership training and consulting to emerging leaders in ministries around the world. Dave is widely published on youth ministry, missions, and issues of contextualizing the gospel. His most recent book, Serving With Eyes Wide Open, was awarded the 2006 Mission book of the year from Outreach Magazine.
During his four sessions, Dave will develop the theme, “Building cultural and missional bridges for short term theological educators.” Many theological education programs depend upon adjunct faculty members with little experience in the cultures where they teach. Dave will help us think about ways to increase the effectiveness of these short term educators.
Other Events
- Examples of missional theological education in the ABWE world
- Display and Networking Lounge
- Encouragement and training from ABWE International Theological Education Department
Missionaries and National Partners
We are asking all ABWE Field Teams to make it possible for national partners involved in theological education to attend this conference. We are also urging our own missionary educators to participate. This is a great opportunity for enrichment, encouragement and connection with fellow educators around the world. This training will follow the Edge Seminar with Harold Netland—Pluralism in World Religions, May 19–20 and Don A. Carson—Confronting Pluralism with the Bible’s Plot-Line, May 21–22.
Set these dates aside and begin planning to participate in one or both weeks of training!
Sponsored by ABWE International Theological Education
For more information contact Dale Marshfield at dale@abwe.cc.